All Things Home and Beyond • January 28, 2025

How to Sell Your Home Quickly (and for Top Dollar) Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Shirt)

by Kevin Green

So, you’ve decided to sell your house. Maybe it’s time to upgrade, downsize, or maybe you’re just sick of looking at the same beige walls every day. Whatever the reason, you want that sweet, sweet cash and you want it fast. Lucky for you, I’m here to help. And trust me, I’ve seen it all: from the “we’re definitely hiding a body” basements to the “this should be condemned” kitchens. Selling a house quickly and for top dollar isn’t rocket science, but it does require a game plan.Let’s talk about how we’re going to make your house irresistible to buyers and rake in the big bucks, without you having to resort to kidnapping a buyer.

Step 1: Hire the Right Agent (Spoiler: It’s Me)

Listen, if your agent’s idea of “marketing” is snapping grainy iPhone photos while shouting “cheese” at your dining room table, run. Your agent should be investing in professional marketing—we’re talking high-end photos, 3D Matterport tours, drone footage, and walk-through videos that make your house look like it belongs in Architectural Digest (or at least a Pinterest board). If your agent isn’t willing to do this, fire them faster than your cousin at Thanksgiving dinner after they suggested pineapple on pizza.

Step 2: Curb Appeal Isn’t Optional

First impressions matter—especially in real estate. If your house’s exterior looks like it moonlights as the setting for a horror movie, buyers will run for the hills. Mow the lawn, plant some flowers, and for the love of all that’s holy, pressure-wash that driveway. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s basically the equivalent of swiping right on a dating app for your house.

Step 3: Declutter Like You’re In Witness Protection

No one wants to see your collection of ceramic clowns or that pile of Amazon boxes you’ve been meaning to “recycle.” Decluttering is key. Clear countertops, hide personal photos, and if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—I’ll guide you. Think of it this way: buyers want to imagine their clutter in the house, not yours.

Step 4: Stage It!

Staging isn’t just for empty homes. Even if you’re living there, arranging furniture to highlight your home’s best features can make a world of difference. It’s not about creating a space that looks lived in, it’s about creating a space buyers wish they could live in. Pro tip: If you’re staging a bedroom, maybe leave the fifty shades of gray decor for after closing.

Step 5: Be Flexible With Showings

Want to sell your home fast? Be ready to let strangers walk through it at all hours. Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, it’s inconvenient. But it’s also necessary. Vacant homes sell faster for a reason, they’re always available to show. If you’re living in the home, try to make it as accessible as possible. Remember, the one showing you decline could have been the buyer ready to pay full price (or more).

Step 6: Timing Is Everything

A great agent isn’t going to pressure you to sell just so they can cash in. (If they do, refer back to Step 1.) Timing matters. The right agent—again, me—will help you analyze market conditions and figure out the best time to sell based on your goals. Whether you’re retiring, upgrading, or just trying to escape your HOA, we’ll find the perfect window to maximize your equity.

Step 7: Don’t Overprice (No, Seriously)

Here’s the harsh truth: buyers aren’t stupid. Price your house too high, and it’ll sit on the market longer than that mystery meat in your freezer. Worse, you’ll scare off the buyers who might’ve sparked a bidding war. Your agent (me) will help you price strategically to attract the most attention, and sometimes that means pricing just below market value to create buzz. Trust me, this strategy works.

Ready to Get Started?

Selling your home doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right strategy (and the right agent), you can sell quickly, get top dollar, and maybe even have a little fun along the way. If you’re curious about what your home is worth or just want to chat about the market, shoot me a message. Or you can sign up for my monthly home equity report HERE

After all, why gamble with your biggest asset when you’ve got me, That 1 Realtor Guy, ready to stack the deck in your favor? Let’s make 2025 your best year yet… starting with your sold sign.

All Things Home and Beyond • January 21, 2025

Portland Real Estate Trends 2025

by Kevin Green

The past couple of years in real estate might have felt like a rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for; highs, lows, and that one loop that makes you question your life choices. But there’s good news: according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the wild ride might finally be smoothing out. NAR predicts brighter days ahead for the housing market in 2025 and beyond, with more home sales, calmer mortgage rates, and a better overall vibe (finally!).

The economy’s improving and sellers are listing more homes. Whether you’re looking to move, invest, or just enjoy the market drama from the sidelines, here’s what you need to know about the Real Estate trends for Portland in 2025:

1. Home Sales to Rise

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy or sell, 2025 could be your year. More people are expected to jump into the market, whether it’s for a job relocation, growing families, or just needing a change of scenery. So, if your current home feels like it’s bursting at the seams, or if you’re just tired of that one neighbor who mows their lawn at 7 a.m., it might be time to make a move.

2. Mortgage Rates to Moderate

Remember when mortgage rates felt like the housing market’s ultimate buzzkill, and we didn’t know if they were going to go down or shoot back up again? Top economists are predicting a more stable mortgage market this year and next year. If you’ve been waiting to buy a house until the rates drop down into the crazy rates we say in 2020 and 2021, you could end up waiting forever. However, rates are expected to go down slightly. Best advice I can give, don’t let your mortgage rate be the only deciding factor. Look at your finances and determine your monthly budget, while factoring things in like taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses. Then review your options in regards to housing inventory (I can help with this) and decide from there.

3. Home Appreciation Rates Will Moderate

Home prices had been on a wild upward climb for quite a while, but the last couple of years slowed down that crazy trajectory we were on. That trend is expected to continue into 2025 to bring more balance. That’s great news for buyers who are tired of paying top dollar for fixer-uppers. For sellers, it means pricing your home realistically is more important than ever. Think of it like dating, overselling yourself might turn people off, but honesty and a little effort will get you far.

4. First-Time Buyers Are Getting Older

Today’s first-time buyers aren’t fresh out of college anymore, most are closer to their late 30s or early 40s. Blame it on student loans, rising costs, or avocado toast if you must, but older buyers bring a clear advantage, they’re more financially stable and know exactly what they want. So, if you’re in this group, know that your timing is perfect, gray hairs and all.

5. The Allure of City Living Grows

After a few years of folks moving out to the burbs during the pandemic, city living is making a comeback across the country. With walkable neighborhoods, trendy coffee shops, and no need to drive everywhere, urban life is regaining its shine. If you’ve been dreaming of a downtown apartment or a home in a bustling neighborhood, now’s the time to explore your options. Just be prepared for the parking wars.

6. More Buyers Are Pooling Their Money Together

Can’t afford a house on your own? You’re not alone. More buyers are teaming up with friends, family, or even coworkers to make homeownership a reality. It’s a little like “The Golden Girls” but with better Wi-Fi. Just make sure you set clear expectations about finances and responsibilities before signing anything. The last thing you want is a feud over who forgot to pay the water bill.

Real estate in 2025 is shaping up to be full of opportunity and a lot less chaos. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your current one, or just daydreaming about your next big move, the market has something for everyone. So, cheers to smoother transactions and happier homes this year! And as always, reach out to me if you need anything!

-That 1 Realtor Guy

All Things Home and Beyond • January 14, 2025

Why 2025 Is the Perfect Year to Buy a Home

by Kevin Green

January, the month when gym memberships spike, diets start (and often end), and we all pretend to be better versions of ourselves. But what if, instead of committing to a juice cleanse you’ll abandon by February, you committed to something more substantial—like buying a new home? Let’s face it, kale smoothies are overrated, but a new house? That’s a resolution worth keeping.

Why 2025?

According to recent forecasts, 2025 is shaping up to be a buyer-friendly year in the real estate market. Experts predict an 11.7% increase in housing inventory, providing more options for prospective buyers. Additionally, mortgage rates are expected to stabilize slightly above 6%, making financing more accessible.

Investopedia

But why wait for spring or summer to make your move? Here are the top five reasons why buying a home in the winter can be beneficial:

Better Deals: Homebuyers who close in January often pay less than those who close during other months. Sellers with properties on the market during winter are typically more motivated, increasing your chances of negotiating a favorable price.
Less Competition: Fewer buyers are willing to brave the cold, meaning less competition for available homes. This can lead to a smoother buying process and a better chance of securing your desired property without entering a bidding war.
See the Home’s True Colors: Winter reveals a home’s resilience. You’ll witness firsthand how well the heating system works, how the windows insulate, and whether the roof can withstand harsh weather—insights you might miss during sunnier seasons.
Faster Transactions: With fewer real estate transactions occurring in winter, lenders and agents have more time to dedicate to your purchase, potentially expediting the closing process.
Tax Advantages: Purchasing a home before the end of the fiscal year can provide tax benefits, such as deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes, which can be advantageous when filing your returns.

So, while your neighbors are busy failing their New Year’s resolutions, you could be settling into your new home, enjoying the warmth of your fireplace, and toasting to a decision that won’t expire by February. After all, a new home is a lot like a gym membership—both require commitment, but only one comes with a cozy living room. Start your home search HERE

All Things Home and Beyond • January 8, 2025

2025: New Year, New Goals, New Real Estate Opportunities

by Kevin Green

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope your holidays were filled with joy, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. Mine certainly were. Hosting family on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Let’s just say I earned my place on Santa’s “nice” list this year. The festivities were amazing, but by New Year’s Eve, I was ready for something low-key. We broke out some board games, half-heartedly watched the clock, and barely made it to midnight. Riveting stuff, I know!

But now it’s 2025, and I’m super excited for this year. I actually feel more positive about the coming year than I have in a long time. There’s a sense of optimism in the air, and the buzz around the real estate market feels noticeably stronger than last year. The Feds indicated that there may not be as many interest rate cuts in 2025 as initially anticipated, which on the surface might sound like not-so-great news for buyers. However, markets are unpredictable and we’ll see how things shake out. My gut feeling? It’s going to be a busier year, so if you’re thinking about making a move, now’s the time to get ahead of the curve.

December & 2024 Market Snapshot

New Listings:
In December, we saw 1,068 new listings hit the market. That’s a 4.1% increase compared to December 2023 but a noticeable 26.8% drop from November 2024. This seasonal slowdown is typical for our market as the year wraps up, but the slight year-over-year growth is an encouraging sign.

Pending Sales:
Pending sales reached 1,326 in December, which is up 1.3% from December 2023 but down 16.2% from November 2024. Fewer pending sales in December align with the holiday season when many buyers and sellers take a step back, but the steady year-over-year growth shows underlying demand remains strong.

Closed Sales:
December closed out the year with 1,534 closed sales, up 15.3% from December 2023. Compared to November 2024, however, this figure dropped 8.7%. Again, this month-to-month decline is in line with typical seasonal patterns.

Inventory and Market Time:
Inventory tightened slightly to 2.7 months in December, while the average time on market increased to 74 days. A decrease in inventory often signals increased competition among buyers, and the longer market times could be due to buyers taking their time over the holidays.

2024 Year-End Summary

Looking at the bigger picture, 2024 proved to be a relatively stable year for the market:

New Listings: 29,586 new listings came to market in 2024, almost identical to 2023, with a slight 0.3% decrease.
Pending Sales: Pending sales grew 2.8%, reaching 21,961.
Closed Sales: Closed sales also saw a bump, increasing 3.7% to 21,715.

Home Appreciation Rates

In 2024 we saw a much more sustainable growth pattern for Real Estate and the economy in general. Appreciation rates of 17%-20% sound great when you’re already a homeowner and you get to watch your home value soar on Zillow. However, that kind of price increase year over year really puts a strain on buyers. Which contributed to the drastic market shift we saw when the interest rates jumped up. It’s also not sustainable from an inflation standpoint, we were due for a market correction.

Average Sale Price: Up 1.8%, from $598,000 in 2023 to $608,600 in 2024.
Median Sale Price: Up 2.1%, from $532,000 to $543,000.

I would consider a “healthy” appreciation rate to be between 3%-5% and 2024 did fall short of that a bit. However, I think it’s a good thing overall. If 2025 turns out to be the kind of year that a lot of financial experts are predicting then I think we’re likely to see a “healthier” appreciation rate this year.

Looking forward to 2025

While I can’t predict the future, I think it’s going to be a great year for both buyers and sellers. Let’s tackle your real estate goals together this year, whether it’s understanding market trends or finding the perfect home, I’m here to help.

On a personal front, I’m starting 2025 with a New Year’s resolution: getting back into running shape. (I know, cliché, but hear me out.) I’ve been a regular at the gym for years, but my focus has primarily been on weights, because let’s face it, plain ol’ running isn’t exactly fun. This year, though, I’ve committed to running Hood to Coast. Not only that, but I’ve somehow convinced a few family members to join my team, including my daughter Maddie. If this doesn’t bring us closer together, or lead to some epic family drama, I don’t know what will. As an added bonus, all this running training should help me keep up with the much younger guys that I play basketball with, at least in theory.

Training for Hood to Coast is going to be an adventure. I’m picturing a lot of huffing and puffing, possibly some blisters, and definitely the occasional “Why did I sign up for this?” moment. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that pushing yourself, whether it’s in running, real estate, or just life, its always worth it.

So, whether your 2025 goals involve buying or selling a home, starting a new hobby, or just making it through your next family gathering without losing your mind, I’m here to help. Let’s tackle this year together and make it one for the books!

And if you happen to see a guy wheezing his way through the neighborhood in running shoes, wave hello, it’s probably me, and I could definitely use the encouragement.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

—That 1 Realtor Guy

All Things Home and Beyond • December 17, 2024

Wrapping Up 2024: Holiday Cheer and New Year Hopes

by Kevin Green

As we wrap up 2024, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a joyous holiday season and a very Happy New Year! Here’s to a 2025 filled with happiness, success, and prosperity. The real estate industry has a lot of exciting things on the horizon, especially for buyers. For instance, updates to the Oregon Bond program are creating more flexibility, which means more opportunities to make homeownership a reality for many. Stay tuned for more details on how these changes can benefit you in the coming year!

Now, let’s talk about the chaos of the holiday season—because we all know it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Between last-minute shopping, gift wrapping, sneaking sips of eggnog, and baking endless batches of Christmas cookies, it’s a wonder any of us remain sane. I’m proud to say that my shopping is just about finished this year, which is a personal best. (I’m no stranger to being in line on Christmas Eve with a basket full of last-minute gifts.) Getting an early start has been a game-changer, leaving me with only one thing left to tackle: wrapping!

Speaking of wrapping, Natasha had a brilliant idea to save our gifts from our curious golden retriever, Niner. We set up a baby gate around the Christmas tree to keep him from opening presents prematurely. It worked like a charm—mostly. He did manage to pull some ribbon off one package, but that’s a far easier fix than replacing a chewed-up gift. Puppy-proofing the holidays? Success!

In the spirit of the season, I’d like to share one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes: Santa’s Whiskers. My mom used to make these every year, and my brother William and I would race to see who could snag the first cookie. They’re a family tradition, and I hope they can become a part of yours too.

Santa’s Whiskers Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp almond extract
½ tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups flour
¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans; I prefer walnuts)
1 cup shredded coconut

Directions:

Beat butter and sugar until very fluffy.
Add almond and vanilla extracts and mix well.
Gradually add flour and mix until just combined.
Fold in chopped cherries and nuts.
Divide dough into logs (two or three 8-inch logs, depending on your preferred cookie size).
Roll logs in shredded coconut until fully coated.
Wrap logs in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Slice cookie logs into ¼-inch slices.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the coconut starts to turn golden brown.
Let cool on a wire rack and enjoy!

Whether you’re finishing up your shopping, savoring holiday treats, or just enjoying the glow of the season, I hope this time of year brings you joy and peace. Here’s to new beginnings in 2025, and may it be your best year yet. See you next year!

All Things Home and Beyond • December 10, 2024

Surviving the Holiday Hustle (and Watching Mortgage Rates!)

by Kevin Green

The Holiday season… a time for cheer, family gatherings, and, if you’re anything like me, forgetting what day it is somewhere around the third slice of pie. This year, my family and I embraced the festive spirit by hosting our first annual holiday party in our new home! We invited our neighbors from our street, and it was a huge success. The turnout was fantastic, the potluck spread was nothing short of amazing, and most importantly, it was a chance to build a stronger sense of community. Bringing people together during this busy season reminded me how valuable those connections are—not just in real estate, but in life.

The Good News on Mortgage Rates

Let’s start with some tidings of comfort and joy for buyers and sellers alike: mortgage rates are taking a bit of a breather. Last week, we saw rates drop to their lowest levels in more than a month and a half, finally dipping back into the high 6% range. For context, 30-year fixed rates spent most of November over 7%, so this is a welcome reprieve.

To put it in numbers, the average rate fell from 6.84% to 6.68% on Friday, though it ticked back up slightly to 6.72% on Monday. Why the movement? It all boils down to the bond market. With no major economic reports released today, investors are holding steady, waiting for this week’s key data to decide their next move. It’s like a game of chess, but instead of pawns and rooks, they’re playing with your mortgage payments.

What This Means for You

If you’re shopping for a home, these rate dips could be your golden ticket to securing a lower monthly payment. Remember, every fraction of a percentage point matters. If you’re selling, lower rates might nudge some buyers off the fence and into action. That’s a win-win for everyone.

Juggling Real Estate and the Holidays

For those of us in real estate, December is a unique beast. Buyers want to find their dream home before the new year, sellers are eager to close deals, and agents are…well, we’re just trying to keep our phones charged and our holiday cookies from burning while writing offers. The chaos is real, but it’s also what makes this job so exciting.

Here are a few tips to survive (and maybe even thrive) in this holiday madness:

Plan Ahead: Whether you’re buying, selling, or just browsing, get pre-approved for your mortgage now. Rates are still in your favor, so lock one in before Santa heads back to the North Pole.
Flexibility Is Key: The holidays mean everyone’s schedule is a little bananas. Be patient and prepared for things to move quickly—or slowly, depending on the day.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Found a house you love? Got a great deal on staging? Celebrate those victories, no matter how small. Real estate is stressful enough—let’s sprinkle in some joy.

Wrapping It All Up

As we barrel toward the end of the year, the housing market—and the mortgage world—aren’t slowing down. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, now’s the time to take advantage of lower rates and a little end-of-year magic. And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. My golden retriever, Niner, and I are right there with you, navigating the chaos with equal parts enthusiasm and crumbs in the car.

Until next week, stay cheerful, stay caffeinated, and may your holiday season be as smooth as a freshly poured eggnog. Speaking of eggnog, if you like your eggnog with a little something extra in it…try mixing it with Rum Chata. It kinda tastes like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, enjoy!

– That 1 Realtor Guy 🎄

All Things Home and Beyond • December 3, 2024

Real Estate During the Holidays with That 1 Realtor Guy

by Kevin Green

Oh how I love this time of year… where every corner of the house is either sparkling with joy or teetering on chaos. Thanksgiving at my place was a perfect mix of love, laughter, way too much pie, and my golden retriever puppy Niner devouring an entire tray of rolls when nobody was looking. Our house was packed to the brim, and my heart is full.

Now that Thanksgiving leftovers are history, my wife Natasha is in full Christmas mode. Decorations are up, carols are blasting, and we’ve already made our annual pilgrimage to Sleigh Bells in Sherwood. For 17 years, this family tradition has been a highlight: cutting down our Christmas tree, sipping hot chocolate, a picture or two with Santa, snagging an ornament for each of us, and indulging in a little fudge (okay, a lot of fudge). If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it—it’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie.

The Holiday Season: Magical, Stressful…and the Perfect Time for Real Estate?

Let’s get real—the holidays are wonderful, but they can also be stressful. Between the twinkling lights and crowded malls, life doesn’t always wait for the “perfect time” to buy or sell a home. Job relocations, growing families, and life changes don’t care that your living room is covered in wrapping paper and tinsel. And honestly? That’s where I come in.

That 1 Realtor Guy (that’s me) is here to help you navigate the pros and cons of buying or selling during the holiday season—because, believe it or not, there can be some real advantages to making a move right now.

The Pros of Holiday Real Estate

Motivated Buyers and Sellers: If someone is braving showings and offers while juggling cookie swaps and office parties, they mean business.
Less Competition: Fewer homes on the market and less buyers shopping can mean less competition for buyers and more visibility for sellers.
Homes Look Magical: Is it just me, or does everything look better with twinkling lights and a touch of garland?
Tax Breaks: Closing before the year ends can have some financial perks (hello, deductions!).

The Cons (Because Real Estate Isn’t All Eggnog and Cheer)

Timing Challenges: Scheduling showings or moving trucks during the busiest season of the year can feel like herding reindeer.
Winter Weather: The occasional snow shower and abundance of rain we get are not your home’s best friends.
Limited Inventory and Limited Shoppers: While less competition is great, it also means fewer options for buyers. Less shoppers means that your home could sit on the market a little longer this time of year.

How I Can Help

Whether you’re navigating the process while decorating your tree or you’re worried about making an offer during the office Secret Santa, I’ve got your back. My job is to make buying or selling a home as stress-free as possible—even if it means staging your house to look like a gingerbread dream or negotiating a deal while sipping hot cocoa. Ultimately my goal is to help you achieve yours by helping your navigate any market scenario and coming up with the best gameplan that will help you get everything you want (or as close to is as possible).

Life Doesn’t Wait, and Neither Should You

The holidays may be hectic, but they’re also a time for reflection and gratitude. For me, this time of year reminds me how lucky I am to help people find homes to fill with memories, joy, and even a few holiday mishaps (burnt cookies, or puppy chaos).

So, whether you’re ready to make a move or just need advice, reach out. I’m always happy to help, with a side of humor, expertise, spiked eggnog, and maybe even some leftover fudge.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and maybe a little real estate magic,
That 1 Realtor Guy (Kevin)

P.S. If you’re looking for me, I’m probably untangling Christmas lights (think Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation) or sneaking another slice of fudge. Happy Holidays!

All Things Home and Beyond • November 26, 2024

Gratitude: What I’m Thankful for This Thanksgiving

by Kevin Green

Ah, Thanksgiving—a time for turkey, pie, football, and the all-too-familiar family debate about what stuffing is best, homemade or Stove-Top (homemade, obviously, because tradition). But amidst the chaos of gravy spills and arguing over politics and who gets the last dinner roll, I find it’s also a perfect moment to reflect on what I’m truly thankful for this year. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just stretchy pants and the once-a-year opportunity to gorge in delicious food… “You’re not finished when you’re full, you’re finished when you hate yourself”

The Gift of Homeownership

As a real estate agent, I get a front-row seat to one of the most amazing parts of the American dream: homeownership. Helping families find that perfect house—not just a building with walls, but a home where Thanksgiving meals will happen, memories will be made, and yes, where someone will eventually step on a stray LEGO—is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

Homeownership isn’t just about property; it’s about stability, security, and building generational wealth. I’m thankful I get to play a small part in that journey for so many people. If I had a dollar for every tear of joy I’ve seen at a closing, well, let’s just say I’d have a lot more than turkey on my table.

A Growing Business

This year, I’m especially thankful for my team at Madaire Realty. We’ve had a stellar 2024, and it feels like we’re planting seeds for an even better 2025. (In real estate terms, we’re the equivalent of a beautifully staged open house: polished, prepared, and ready to shine!)

Watching our boutique business grow while maintaining the personal touch that makes us unique is like watching a garden flourish. Except instead of flowers, it’s a thriving network of happy clients, talented agents, and maybe a few therapy sessions in between.

Bonus Gratitude: The Realtor’s Survival Kit

In addition to the big, meaningful things, there are some little lifesavers I’m especially thankful for this year. Here’s a toast (with a glass of wine, of course) to the unsung heroes of my day-to-day life:

Drive-Thrus – Because sometimes, a perfectly timed burger is the real fuel behind a marathon day of showings.
Coffee (and lots of it) – My MVP for early mornings, late-night paperwork, and everything in between.
Wine – For those evenings when a deal finally closes after a rollercoaster ride of negotiations. Cheers to that!
My Phone’s GPS – Which has saved me from knocking on the wrong door at least a dozen times this year.
Clients with a Sense of Humor – To everyone who’s laughed along with me during awkward showing moments (like walking in on a seller who forgot about our showing appointment), you’re the real MVPs.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up this year, I’m not just reflecting on what’s been great—I’m also thinking about what’s next. In 2025, I’m looking forward to helping even more families find their dream homes, expanding our team at Madaire Realty, and maybe, just maybe, finally convincing my family that homemade stuffing is king.

So, here’s to a holiday filled with gratitude, laughter, and just a little extra whipped cream on your pie. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just want to chat about the housing market over a cup of coffee (or leftover stuffing), I’m here for you.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🦃

All Things Home and Beyond • August 6, 2024

Meet the Green Family: New Neighbors with a Warm Welcome and a Touch of Magic

by Kevin Green

Introduction and Background

Meet the Green Family: Kevin, Natasha, Madeline, and Claire. This have recently made Progress Ridge their new home. Madeline and Claire both attend the Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering (BASE). Madeline is gearing up for her junior year of high school, while Claire is about to conquer the 7th grade. Their parents, Kevin and Natasha, run a local real estate brokerage named Madaire Realty, cleverly combining their daughters’ names, Madeline and Claire. Natasha also moonlights as a private investigator-so don’t try anything funny around her!

The Greens moved into the neighborhood just this past spring and are loving it so far. Practically still unpacking, they were drawn to the area because it’s close to everything-shopping, freeways, trails, you name it. Plus, it keeps their girls in the Beaverton School District, which was crucial for them.

Community and Lifestyle

The Green Family quickly fell in love with the Progress Ridge community. They’ve already met quite a few people while walking their dogs, and their closest neighbors have all been very friendly and welcoming. They appreciate that so many things are within walking distance, and they had a blast at the 4th of July parade. They’re already planning to participate next year-maybe with a float that doubles as a real estate billboard! Just kidding, but they do own a classic 1954 Chevrolet truck that could be a nice addition.

The family has frequented many restaurants in the Progress Ridge Town Square shopping area, with Menchie’s being a particular favorite. It’s hard to resist the call of frozen yogurt, after all.

Family Dynamics and Interests

Kevin is a big sports and fitness enthusiast who regularly plays basketball and belongs to Villa Sports off Murray Blvd. Madeline dreams of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon and hopes to attend an Ivy League school. When she’s not studying, she’s an avid artist who loves to draw and paint. Claire, also an artist, enjoys making crafts and is a huge Harry Potter fan (Slytherin House, naturally). Natasha enjoys Hallmark movies, especially during the holidays, spending time with their animals and children, making new friends, and enjoying a glass of wine (or three).

The Greens are active in their church, Beaverton Christian Church. They enjoy walks, bike rides, and traveling together. And let’s not forget their family movie nights, complete with popcorn and Claire’s running Harry Potter commentary. They also make it a point to eat dinner together as a family most nights, feeling it brings them closer when they can talk about their day over a home-cooked meal-or takeout, depending on the day’s chaos level.

Personal Stories and Experiences

Although they haven’t been in the area for long, everyone has been very welcoming. The Greens are looking forward to making lasting memories for years to come.

They have already made connections with their neighbors and are excited to build on that with future BBQs and get-togethers. Kevin’s already planning a neighborhood Holiday party to bring more people together.

Children and Education

Madeline and Claire have made friends in the area and enjoy the trails and being able to walk down for treats at the local shops. Claire’s particularly fond of showing off her Slytherin pride. Madeline is involved in HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and has competed in medical debates at Internationals twice. The family is pretty sure she’s already smarter than both parents combined.

Future and Aspirations

The Greens plan to be a part of this neighborhood for years to come, building friendships and helping bring other families together. For any families considering a move to the area, they couldn’t recommend it more. The residents have been very welcoming, and it’s such a lovely community. Plus, it’s very accessible to get wherever you need to go. Pro tip from the Greens: keep a stash of frozen yogurt gift cards handy for instant popularity!

Stay tuned for more delightful stories from featured neighbors. If you would like to nominate a Progress Ridge neighbor you can do that HERE (you can nominate yourself too, we won’t tell)